Dangerous toys and novelties taken off shop shelves

10/12/03
Parents and Christmas shoppers are being warned to be on the look-out, after the discovery of nine dangerous toys and a potentially unsafe novelty in Perth stores.
Investigators from the Department of Consumer Protection have ordered the unsafe items to be removed from shop shelves in the past few days and are continuing checks of shops and markets in the lead up to Christmas.
Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection John Kobelke said shoppers needed to be aware of the hazards that dangerous toys represent, especially to young children.
"Anyone who may have purchased these items should return them immediately to the place of purchase for a full refund," Mr Kobelke said.
"With the discovery of at least nine unsafe products here in WA, and the banning of 45 Christmas toys and novelties in New South Wales, I am concerned these items could trigger a tragedy."
Mr Kobelke said there was a chance that some toys, which have been banned in NSW, may also have been offered for sale in Western Australia.
The toys discovered in Perth had failed safety checks, because they included choking hazards, or sharp edges and wires.
An oil burner found on sale had been assessed as a possible fire risk, and is now being subjected to further testing.
"One of the toys is a 'pull along duck' that could easily break if dropped and release small parts which would be a choking hazards for children under three years of age," the Minister said.
The maximum penalties, under the Fair Trading Act, for selling or supplying unsafe products were $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.
Minister's office: 9222 9211